What type of test is used to evaluate a candidate's abilities?

An aptitude test is specifically designed to assess a candidate's abilities and potential to perform particular tasks or skills. These tests often measure specific talents, such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, spatial awareness, or problem-solving skills. Employers use aptitude tests to identify candidates who possess the necessary skills that match the requirements of the job.

This type of evaluation is focused on predicting future performance based on inherent abilities, which makes it a valuable tool during the hiring process. In contrast, personality tests evaluate characteristics like interpersonal skills or behavioral traits, while psychometric tests may include broader assessments of mental capacities and personality traits. A reference check, meanwhile, involves gathering information from previous employers about a candidate’s work performance and behavior, which does not directly assess abilities in the same way.